WESTPORT -- With stability in both the frontcourt and backcourt, head coach Colin Devine is understandably optimistic about his team's chances of making the FCIAC playoffs this season.

The Staples High boys basketball team returns four starters from a nine-win team and Devine believes his squad will be successful if it takes care of business on both ends of the floor.

"I think we're an FCIAC playoff team," Devine said. "If we get better and better and play our best basketball as the year continues, we'll be a very good basketball team."

Staples will be experienced at guard as senior starters--and team captains--Pete Rankowitz and James Frusciante will back to fuel an offense that averaged 55 points a game last season.

Rankowitz made second-team all-FCIAC a year ago.

"We feel that he is definitely one of the top players in the league," Devine said of Rankowitz. "He will help us on both ends of the floor. He's a leader on and off the floor."

"As my part of the role or my piece of the puzzle, I will be carrying some of the scoring load," Rankowitz said. "I don't know what the number is but I just know that will probably be my role this year."

Devine is confident that both guards can shoulder that responsibility and stabilize a backcourt that also includes senior Joe Greenwald and junior David Katz.

"(Frusciante) really gets us into our offensive sets," Devine said. "The ball starts with James on the floor."

Staples also returns size and experience up front as 6-foot-4 senior Ross Whelan and 6-foot-3 junior Darryle Wiggins will start at the forward spots. Senior Alex Addessi and junior Nick Ward are also back at forward.

Devine said that his forwards are versatile and he believes that the team's ability to adjust to different styles of play--both up-tempo and half-court games--will be an important factor. Staples, which lost in the first round of the LL state tournament last year, opens its season on Wednesday against Brien McMahon.

"Our success will depend on our ability to play at different speeds," Devine said.

The Wreckers are also focused on becoming a lockdown defensive team. They surrendered 57 points a game last season.

"Our goal is to be one of the top defensive teams in the league," Devine said.

After committing themselves on the court through the offseason, the Wreckers are confident that their potential will show.

"We were right there in the mix last year and I think we've only gotten better this year," Rankowitz said.